LOW COST HIGHWAY SAFETY MEASURES ON TRIAL AT NORTH SOMERSET

North Somerset Council is leading the way in a five-year road study that aims to promote greater safety for the vul...

North Somerset Council is leading the way in a five-year road study that aims to promote greater safety for the vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme - Junction Improvement for Vulnerable Road Users (JIFVRU) - is funded by the department of the environment, transport and the regions. The study aims to develop and evaluate low cost junction improvements that will reduce accidents.

The most successful schemes could be adopted nationwide.

By highlighting junctions using road signs and road markings, it is hoped to avoid conflict between vulnerable road users and motor vehicles and reduce speeds.

Two sites have been in operation for some time. They are Ashcombe Road mini- roundabout and High Street, Portishead.

Other sites are now planned in the area.

Daryl Parker, principal highways engineer, said: 'We are pleased to be involved in these trials in our quest to reduce traffic casualties.'

Monitoring of the schemes will start one month prior to and one month and 12 months after installation. Work is scheduled to start in April this year.

North Somerset Council is one of 22 local authorities carrying out JIFVRU studies.

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